Bambu Lab X1 Carbon – The current benchmark in consumer 3D printing

Bambu 3D printers are currently among the most popular consumer devices and are setting new standards in the market. The flagship of the series, the X1-Carbon, impresses with innovative features, high-quality craftsmanship, and exceptional performance—especially in its price range. We tested the printer and share our impressions.

Founded in 2020, the Chinese company Bambu Lab has quickly made a name for itself in the industry with modern 3D printing solutions. The company’s mission is to make 3D printing technology more accessible, faster, and user-friendly—with notable success.

A core aspect of Bambu Lab’s strategy is integrating its community into its ecosystem. Platforms like MakerWorld and software solutions such as Bambu Studio for desktop and the mobile app Bambu Handy play a key role. These tools have not only strengthened acceptance among maker enthusiasts and professional users but also inspired a new generation of young users who appreciate Bambu’s user-friendly plug-and-play features. With a rapidly growing global community and continuous innovations, Bambu Lab has quickly established itself as a leading force in consumer 3D printing.

However, the rapid success has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about network security flaws, unexpected print starts, and questionable handling of user data. Bambu Lab responded to these accusations with statements and measures, including the introduction of third-party firmware options. These issues sparked significant debate, particularly within the traditionally open-source-oriented 3D printing community, as Bambu Lab does not fully disclose all developments.

Despite these challenges, the company remains a significant player that continues to shape the industry through innovation and community engagement.

Bambu Lab X1 Carbon

A significant milestone for Bambu Lab was the launch of the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon. Funded via a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2022, this 3D printer sets new standards in the consumer segment with its cutting-edge technology. Highlights of the X1 Carbon include the AMS system for multi-material printing, LIDAR-assisted auto-calibration, multi-color printing capabilities, an enclosed build chamber, and AI-supported error detection.

Combining impressive speed, high precision, and user-friendly software, the X1 Carbon garnered significant attention and quickly established itself as a benchmark for consumer 3D printers. Even today, it is widely regarded as a reference model in its class—a compelling reason to take a closer look at this device.

Delivery and Setup

The Bambu X1C arrives fully assembled in secure packaging, ready to use right out of the box. The Combo version includes the Automated Material System (AMS), which supports up to four filament spools simultaneously. Optional expansions and additional AMS modules can increase the printer’s capacity to up to 16 colors or materials, making it ideal for complex and creative projects.

The Combo version includes three filament samples (in sample quantities), a magnetic build plate (either smooth or textured PEI, chosen randomly), a tool kit, two replacement filament cutters, a surprise gift, as well as bus and power cables for the AMS. Extras like vibration-damping feet or an SD card are sold separately.

Setup is quick and straightforward. After removing some transport locks and protective materials, users simply need to connect the AMS to the printer. The user-friendly software and responsive touchscreen guide users through the setup process, including language selection and Wi-Fi configuration. The device then performs an automatic calibration, which takes about 15 minutes. This process uses LIDAR technology, a touch sensor for automatic bed leveling, and a vibration test to optimize print quality.

Once calibration is complete, the printer is ready for use, providing a solid foundation for high-quality printing results—suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Features and Specifications

The initial impression of the Bambu X1 Carbon is highly positive. The printer features a robust steel frame, an efficient CoreXY motion system, and a premium housing made of brushed aluminum. Durable plastics and real glass add to its professional and long-lasting build quality.

The enclosed build chamber maintains a stable temperature, enabling the processing of advanced materials such as ABS, ASA, PVA, PET, PA, PC, and carbon- or glass-fiber-reinforced polymers. Although the chamber lacks active heating, its insulated design supports the processing of these materials. The maximum nozzle temperature of 300°C significantly expands material compatibility, although hardened hotends or varying nozzle diameters, available separately, may be required for specific applications.

The CoreXY system allows for impressive print speeds. With acceleration up to 20,000 mm/s² and a maximum speed of 500 mm/s, the X1 Carbon is one of the fastest consumer 3D printers available. These speed advantages are particularly evident in single-material prints. For example, a single-color Benchy can be printed in just 17 minutes. However, multi-material prints require more time due to material changes and the associated purging processes.

Weighing 22.3 kg with dimensions of 39 x 39 x 46 cm, the printer is compact and space-efficient. Its 25.6 x 25.6 x 25.6 cm build volume, while average by today’s standards, provides ample space for most consumer projects.

Control and Software

Intuitive user control is a key success factor for Bambu Lab. The Bambu X1 Carbon can be seamlessly operated through various interfaces: Bambu Studio software on PC, the Bambu Handy app, or directly via the device’s 5-inch color touchscreen and SD card. Even complex multi-material prints can be managed with ease.

All software interfaces are tightly integrated with the company’s MakerWorld platform, which functions similarly to Prusa’s Printables ecosystem. Users can initiate print jobs directly from the platform, even remotely via the app. This functionality is supported by web integration, which initially faced criticism due to privacy concerns. However, in practice, it works reliably enough that hobbyists are unlikely to encounter significant issues.

A standout feature of remote operation is the integrated webcam, which allows users to monitor print jobs from afar. Additionally, AI-based error detection identifies issues such as spaghetti-stringing or first-layer problems in real-time. However, false alarms can occur. For example, during our test of a string-art design (a Christmas tree), the AI misidentified the string structure as a print error.

Another user-friendly feature is the automatic time-lapse recording, which enables visually striking documentation of printing processes. This is especially popular for creative projects. The printer’s LED lighting enhances usability, making it easier to monitor prints and ensuring optimal conditions for time-lapse videos.

Our First Test

We tested the Bambu X1 Carbon with standard materials such as PLA, PETG, ABS, and ASA, utilizing all available interfaces: the Bambu Handy app, Bambu Studio software, and SD card. Our test prints included a wide range of models—from multi-material and multi-color designs to large and small objects, as well as intricate string-art structures and simple forms. The results were consistently impressive, with high-quality prints and no major issues.

The device proved intuitive and easy to use, and the Bambu ecosystem demonstrated its practicality. The company’s goal of making 3D printing more accessible and straightforward appears to have been met convincingly.

For testing more complex materials, including support materials, we ordered hardened hotends. We will report on these experiences separately. However, the printer’s functionality, especially at its price point, is already remarkable and more than sufficient for most projects.

Practical Challenges in Multi-Material Printing

Despite its many strengths, we noticed some practical drawbacks, particularly for newcomers to multi-material printing:

1. Extended Print Times
   Using a material change system with a single extruder significantly increases print times for complex models. This is a common feature of such systems and not specific to the Bambu X1 Carbon.
2. Material Waste
   A notable downside is the significant material waste at default settings, primarily due to the recommended purge tower and the so-called “pooping” process—discarding excess material before printing. In some tests, this led to tripled material consumption, depending on the number of colors, materials used, and model complexity. Hobbyists may find this results in unexpectedly high material costs, conflicting with the company’s often-promoted sustainability goals. Prusa’s MMU3 system, for instance, handles material and time more efficiently.
3. Optimization Options
   While the Bambu X1 Carbon offers settings to reduce material waste, it is impossible to eliminate it entirely. Users frequently working with multi-material prints should consider these factors when planning projects.

Conclusion

The Bambu X1 Carbon is undeniably a milestone in consumer 3D printing. With its robust construction, advanced technologies like LIDAR-assisted calibration, AI error detection, CoreXY motion system for high print speeds, and user-friendly operation, it has established itself as a benchmark in its segment. Its seamless integration into the Bambu ecosystem with tools like MakerWorld, Bambu Studio, and the Bambu Handy app makes it especially appealing to beginners.

The print quality is impressive, whether using standard materials like PLA and PETG or more demanding ones like ABS and ASA. The device’s straightforward setup and quick readiness are also clear advantages.

Pros:

• Excellent print quality: Consistent and reliable across a variety of materials and models.
• User-friendly: Intuitive control via touchscreen, software, and app.
• Advanced technology: LIDAR-assisted calibration, AI error detection, automatic time-lapse recording.
• High speed: Impressive print speeds of up to 500 mm/s.
• Sturdy design: Durable construction with steel, aluminum, and glass components.
• Plug-and-play functionality: Minimal setup effort.
• Multi-material support: Handles up to 16 colors/materials (with expansions).

Cons:

• Material waste: Significant during multi-material printing due to purge towers and “pooping.”
• Extended print times: Material change processes increase print times for complex models.
• Average build volume: 25.6 x 25.6 x 25.6 cm is somewhat small by today’s standards.
• Privacy concerns: Web integration and data handling initially faced criticism, despite reliable functionality.

At its current price (€1249 for the Combo version), the Bambu X1 Carbon offers a well-rounded package. It is an excellent choice for hobbyists and even some professional applications. The printer is available through authorized dealers or directly from the official shop.